Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1887-06-09

light walk. her attention was drsTn t.
cluster Of wild flowers, and she
turned aside to gather them. As she
was about to return TO the road, she
saw Royal Delavan coming slowly to-
wards her, his arms folded and his
head bowed in an attitude of deep
thought.
Directly opposite her place of con-
ceslment, Royal suddenly stopped and
lifted his head, and scowl of hate
spread over his handsome and disso-
lutte face as he encountered the sneer-
ing smile of Noal Clayton.
We'll, my lad said Clayton, with
mocking Hippancy, have you seen
la belle Eugenie?'
Yes, and your devilish plot is foil
ed, you villain' flashed Royal 100,
what! wouldn't she accept your
offer?' .Hs. ..'Iar.
NO; thank heaven she knew me
too wellp
It's my opinion you didn't try hard
to persuade herP growled Clayton,
with lowering brows. You can do as
you like about trying, but tell you
if you don't get Engenie Vail mo my
power before week goes over your
head, in prison you shall go!'
i would die In prison before Ed do
it, Noel Clayton! And il you dare
harm hair of her innocent head, |
swear III be your death! -.
you will, will you? I'll send you
to felon's prison, and then. perhaps,
you'll protect her!
Eugene waited till he was out of
sight, and then discovered herself to
Royals astonished eyes. His face
grew scarlet as he exclaimed
Eugeniel surely you have not
Il have heard and seen all that has
passed between you and Noel Clayton,
Royal, l said, this afternoon, that you
were the worst man l knew; but re
tract it now. And I have believed
Noel Clayton an honest man..
'Oh, Eugene, you know? murmur-
ed Royal, hiding his facein shame and
self contempt. You know what |
would have
Il know only this, dear Royal, said
Eugene, with emphasis, that you are
in that wicked mans power and he
has tried to use it to force you into
crime-will you tell me whence comes
his power to injure you"
From his ability to convict me of
forgery
Has he proof?' she faltered.
He has check for large sum OF
money, which l forged, months ago,
In the name of Hilas Carter. But in
the insanity of intoxlcation l allowed
it to fall into Noel Clayton's posses
sion, and he will present it at the
bank, it will be recognized as false,
and, as he can prove my guilt. he will
charge me with the forgery.
1T was in the name of my Uncle
Hllas, you said? .
Then cried the noble girl, you
need not be afraid of Noel Clayton!
Nv uncle is very fond of me, and, at
my request, am sure he will ack-
nowledge that check if it is ever pre-
sented for payment Q, Royal, Roy
al! if you will only promise to reform,
know that l can save you now!
Eugene Vail, why do you offer to
do all this for such worthless fellow
as I am? and after what you have Just
heard2' r,. ,
you will know some time, hope!
Will you promise, RoyalT
Il WILL he earnestly replied, and he
lifted his cap from his head as he
reverently added: 4 call God to wit
ness that l do promise henceiorth to
live an honest life
From that hour Royal Delavans re-
generation commenced. s..
Mr.. Carter readily consented to his
neice's request, and when Noel Clay
ton presented the forged check for
payment he was astounded to have it
acknowledged and promptly paid; and
there ended his power over Royal
Delavan. But Royal did not let the
kind gentlemen lose the sum. 1t was
debt of honor that he labored long
and hard to pay, and did pay every
cent of it. !
You will know sometime, | hope,
she had said when he asked the cause
of her interest in him, and, little by
little, the knowledge came to him;
the knowledge that more than aught
else, helped to make man of him;
the knowledge of Eugene Wallis pure
love for him.
It was long before he felt worthy
to offer love to her, but when he did
ask her to become his wife she did
not hesitate an instant, and her
answer was plain and simple Yes